The temporary retail establishment will be open for business through mid-January.

"Pop-up shops are pretty popular in L.A.," said the 26-year-old Malcoun, a Stockton native and USC graduate, of the businesses that pop up for just a short period. "I've never owned a store before so I didn't know if something long-term was a good idea. My mom saw this spot and sent me a picture of it."

The space, a little glass building next to REI, hasn't had a permanent tenant and seemed like the perfect fit for the next step in Malcoun's fashion career.

John Godi, president of Stone Brothers, said it's great to have a business in the glass-walled 570-square-foot space.

"Baker's Boutique has used it for parties and classes on a temporary basis. We have also leased it temporarily to others that need a short term showcase location," Godi said, explaining that the space was conceived as being ideal for a stationery shop or a sunglass retailer. "We have had some interest and prospects, but none have worked out. We have high hopes for KCM. It's a great addition to Stonecreek Village. It will provide another great holiday shopping option at Stonecreek Village."

And the proximity to REI and two dining outlets makes it a visible area.

"I really like being in this spot," Malcoun said. "There's a lot of traffic here. It's been pretty busy."

The young woman had set her sights on studying to become a lawyer when a shopping trip to find a bracelet led her to a wholesale outlet where she learned she couldn't buy the bracelet but she could land a gig as an intern.

That led to a job as a wholesale rep in L.A.'s fashion district where she sold to retailers.

Now, she's come full circle.

And, yes, she got the bracelet.

"I have been doing trunk shows and it's just a lot of set up and take down," she said. "I know mobile fashion trucks are one way to go, but no way am I driving one of those things."

It's a trend that makes sense for the young entrepreneur, but it's one that even big-box retailers have embraced.

And savvy shoppers say they like it.

"Target did a Missoni pop-up. Nordstrom has a Topshop pop-up shop in their San Francisco store. One of the compelling things about pop-ups from a customer's standpoint is that sense of urgency - here today, gone tomorrow," said Mary Nakamura, a client of Malcoun's who shopped at the new pop-up the week it opened. "If I know it's temporary I'm more likely to visit often before it goes away."

Nakamura said she was impressed with the unique lines of clothing and accessories.

"I work at the Thomas J. Long School of Pharmacy and Health Sciences at the University of the Pacific, so I am always looking for orange clothing," Nakamura said of an orange Jackie O-style jacket she purchased. "The jacket that I bought is made by Tulle, a brand that I have purchased at Nordstrom. I haven't seen Tulle anywhere locally. Everything in the store was different from what I've seen around Stockton, Lodi and Modesto. My jacket was very affordable, but looks like it cost a lot more."

Many of the lines Malcoun carries are made in the U.S. including MuMu, Rory Beca and Bishop of 7, which makes what she calls the "best fitting pants ever" and are made in L.A.

"I have a lot of contemporary things - some daring pieces and some that are more conservative," she said, adding that she has styles that work for both her mom's generation and her own crowd. "I noticed that I have a lot of mother-daughter customers so I have things that appeal to both."

Along with rompers, maxi dresses, jackets, tops, sweaters and whimsical knit hats, she also carries a line of boots and jewelry.

She's upbeat about her fashion future, even if this latest step turns out to be a brief run.

"This is just sort of a way to test the market, so to speak," she said. "Then I will evaluate."